In its centenary year, NFU Scotland (NFUS) says that the business is in robust health and that further investment in staff and services will see the union enter its second century on the front foot.
To build on that momentum, it has set an ambitious target of recruiting 1,000 new members in the next 12 months to swell its existing membership of 8,600 farmers, growers and crofters.
NFUS has recorded a small operating profit of just over £21,500, enabling it to restrict 2014 membership subscription increases to only one per cent (following a subscription freeze in 2013).
The solid financial performance has allowed planned staff increases to take place with new people, including the union’s first ever full-time parliamentary officer, starting in the New Year.
Commenting on the company’s performance, chief executive Scott Walker, said:“Every year, all members take a voluntary decision to pay us a subscription and we can never afford to take their support for granted.
“For that subscription, we must ensure Scottish farming continues to have the strongest voice possible in the political corridors of Europe, Westminster and Holyrood. It must also enable us to engage more closely than ever with those who supply services to farm businesses and those major end users – such as processors, retailers or drinks companies – who buy the produce that comes from our farms.
“But most importantly, it must allow us to deliver a personal service to each and every individual member when they need our help or advice. That service starts at local secretary level, through the regions and into head office staff and officeholders.
“Given all that the union has to offer, I have set our people a challenge to grow our numbers by 1,000 by the end of 2015. That growth would build on our industry-leading role in representing Scottish farming and ensure we deliver the services that members deserve.'
He added: “I am confident that NFU Scotland is in a better position than it has ever been, and that the support of our 8,600 members will keep the union on the front foot.”
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